Endocrine disorders are closely linked to cardiovascular disease: DDEA supports nine research projects aimed at improving cardiovascular health globally and in Denmark.

Today is World Heart Day.

Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and adrenal gland disorders, are closely linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) through hormonal imbalances.

Diabetes raises blood sugar levels, damaging blood vessels and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Thyroid disorders can affect heart rhythms and blood pressure, further raising cardiovascular risks. Adrenal disorders also impact blood pressure and lipid metabolism, contributing to heart disease.

Cardiovascular Disease: A Global Health Crisis

Cardiovascular disease is a major global health issue. The World Heart Report 2023 by the World Heart Federation states that over half a billion people globally are affected by cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CVDs are the leading cause of death worldwide, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year, which amounts to nearly a third of all fatalities.

In Denmark, the Danish Heart Foundation states that approximately 670,000 people suffer from cardiovascular disorders, with numbers steadily rising. Annually, around 65,750 of the nearly 6 million people in Denmark are newly diagnosed with CVD.

From Molecular Mechanisms to AI-driven Tools

Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (DDEA) supports nine researchers working to improve cardiovascular health, five of whom are supported in collaboration with Danish Cardiovascular Academy.

The nine projects explore molecular mechanisms behind obesity-induced insulin resistance, the effect of hormonal imbalance on on cardiovascular risk, and how lifestyle interventions like exercise and diet help prevent heart disease.

They are also developing AI-driven tools for risk assessments for diabetes patients and examining the genetic regulation of lipid metabolism to better understand and reduce cardiovascular complications linked to diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic disorders.

Learn more about their projects below.

Meet the Nine DDEA-funded Researchers Dedicated to Enhancing Cardiovascular Health:

Christian Thorup, MD

Project title: Spermidine treatment in elderly patients with coronary artery disease – a randomized controlled trial

Summary: Christian Thorup’s research focuses on the impact of exercise and obesity on cardiovascular health. He investigates how physical activity and body weight influence heart disease risk and aims to develop interventions that improve cardiovascular outcomes for individuals with obesity.

Grant type: Cross-academy scholarship with co-funding from the Danish Cardiovascular Academy.

Edgar Nollet, MSc

Project title: Towards a better understanding of the adverse effects of type 2 diabetes on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Summary: Edgar Nollet’s research delves into the role of the gut microbiome in regulating glucose metabolism and its impact on cardiovascular health in individuals with diabetes. By studying the interaction between gut bacteria and host metabolism, his work seeks to identify new strategies for preventing or treating cardiovascular complications in diabetes. This research is carried out in collaboration with several international institutions.

Grant type: Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Helene Bei Thomsen, BSc

Project title: Deep learning approach to integrate continuous glucose monitoring in cardiovascular risk assessment for people with diabetes

Summary: Helene Bei Thomsen’s research harnesses AI and deep learning to create tools for assessing cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes by analyzing data from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. The aim is to enhance risk prediction and personalize interventions for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients.

Grant type: Cross-academy scholarship with co-funding from the Danish Cardiovascular Academy.

Jasmin Emma Rekly Jensen, MSc

Project title: Plasmalemma Vesicle-Associated Protein in the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Pathogenesis

Summary: Jasmin Emma Rekly Jensen’s research explores how obesity and physical activity affect brain function and cognitive health, particularly regarding appetite regulation and mental health. Her work aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better interventions for managing obesity and improving overall brain health.

Grant type: Cross-academy scholarship with co-funding from the Danish Cardiovascular Academy.

Jasmin Hjerresen, MSc

Project title: Genetic regulation of the plasma lipidome and its link to cardiometabolic disease in Greenlandic Inuit

Summary: Jasmin Hjerresen’s research investigates how specific genes influence insulin sensitivity and fat distribution, which are key factors in the development of type 2 diabetes and related cardiovascular risks. Her work seeks to discover new therapeutic targets for preventing or treating these conditions.

Grant type: Cross-academy scholarship with co-funding from the Danish Data Science Academy (DDSA).

Karen Hvid, MD

Project title: Remnant cholesterol and residual risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in statin-treated individuals with type 2 diabetes

Summary: Karen Hvid’s research investigates how lifestyle interventions—such as exercise and diet—affect the progression of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Her focus is on understanding the biological mechanisms through which these interventions improve metabolic health and prevent complications in individuals with diabetes.

Grant type: Cross-academy scholarship with co-funding from the Danish Cardiovascular Academy.

Mariavittoria d’Acierno, MSc, PhD

Project title: Regulation of phosphaturic hormones by dietary K+ and its relevance to cardiovascular and bone health

Summary: Mariavittoria D’Acierno’s research explores the link between calcium metabolism, bone health, and cardiovascular disease. She investigates how disturbances in calcium regulation contribute to both bone disorders, such as osteoporosis, and cardiovascular complications. Her work aims to identify therapeutic approaches for addressing these interconnected health issues.

Grant type: Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Mathilde Søndergaard, MSc

Project title: The PAS domain of Kv11.1: Have we PASsed on a novel cardiac-safe therapeutic target in type 2 diabetes

Summary: Mathilde Søndergaard’s research investigates the molecular links between obesity-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and cardiovascular complications. By examining these connections, her work aims to uncover therapeutic targets that could prevent or treat type 2 diabetes and related heart conditions. This research is conducted in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen.

Grant type: Cross-academy scholarship with co-funding from the Danish Cardiovascular Academy.

Simon Chang, MD, PhD

Project title: Klinefelter syndrome and male hypogonadism – a human disease model for investigating genotype-phenotype relations associable with cardiometabolic risk and testosterone replacement therapy

Summary: Simon Chang’s research examines the connection between gonadal diseases and cardiovascular health. He investigates how hormonal imbalances—particularly those related to gonadal function—influence cardiovascular risk and overall heart health. His work aims to uncover interventions that could mitigate these risks in patients with gonadal disorders.

Grant type: Postdoctoral Fellowship.